Tractor trailer overturns in Richlands

Tuesday

Sep 24, 2013 at 12:01 AMSep 24, 2013 at 5:54 PM

Daily News staff

A tractor trailer hauling manure overturned into a ditch shortly after noon Tuesday on Comfort Road near Brock Road in Richlands.

According to N.C. Highway Patrol, the truck ran off the road to the right as it was coming out of a left-hand curve. The truck ended up hitting the ditch on the side of the road and overturning on its right side, said Trooper Matthew Bryan.

Bryan said based on information from EMS personnel, the truck's driver, Johnny Ball, 49, of Pink Hill, could have passed out behind the wheel either due to fatigue or medical reasons. Bryan said Ball works for Richlands Farms Incorporated.

He was transported to Onslow Memorial Hospital Tuesday afternoon to try and determine the cause for passing out, according to Bryan, who did not believe Ball was transported to OMH to be treated for any injuries.

Hospital officials declined to comment late Tuesday afternoon if Ball was still admitted or had been released.

No other vehicles or persons were involved.

Ball will be charged with careless and reckless driving, according to Bryan.

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